Experience it at your leisure with skip-the-line tickets. Admire the architecture and delve deeper into the history of this remarkable structure as you navigate through its intriguing spaces.
Embark on a Guided Exploration of the Basilica Cistern, where beneath the vibrant streets of Istanbul, a realm rich in secrets and centuries of history awaits. Our Basilica Cistern Guided Tour beckons you to delve into the enigmatic depths of this subterranean marvel, once a vital lifeline for the inhabitants of Constantinople.
Traverse softly illuminated chambers and be captivated by the spectacle of 336 grand columns, some adorned with the entrancing gaze of the legendary Medusa. Our team of experienced guides will skillfully transport you through time, weaving narratives of emperors, visionary architects, and enduring legends that have etched an unforgettable legacy on this mesmerizing underground masterpiece.
Secure your spot today for an adventure seamlessly blending the past with the present.
Note: Tickets are non-refundable and they are valid from 09:00 - 18:30.
Once you enter the Basilica Cistern, there is no time limit to how long you can stay inside, so you can explore at your own pace.
Tickets can be conveniently purchased online, allowing you to skip the ticket line.
The Medusa Heads in the Basilica Cistern are ancient and mysterious. One of them is upside down, the other sideways. Their origin and purpose remain a matter of intrigue and speculation for historians.
Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern is one of the largest ancient cisterns in Istanbul. It once supplied water to the Grand Palace and the surrounding areas and is considered an engineering marvel of Byzantine architecture.
You can reach the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul by taking the T1 tram to Sultanahmet station. From there it is only a 2-minute walk to Hagia Sophia.